Middlesbrough reportedly set to sign Victor Valdes

Reports seem to suggest that ex Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes is preparing to join fellow Spaniard Aitor Karanka on Teesside.

Viictor Valdes looks to be on his way to Middlesbrough following his release from Manchester United. Picture via Getty

Since Middlesbrough were promoted from the Championship on the final day of the 2015/16 season, manager Aitor Karanka has been on the lookout for a new shot-stopper.

Earlier today, the Daily Mail reported that Karanka's search could be over, as the Champions League winning Victor Valdes could be on his way to the Riverside Stadium.

There has been no word from the club as of yet, but confirmation would be expected later in the week, with Boro' said to be increasingly confident of securing the services of the 'keeper.

Do Boro need a new 'keeper?

The current number one for Middlesbrough is the Greek giant Dimitrios Konstantopolous. He has kept 44 clean sheets in the past two seasons, since displacing Tomas Mejias between the sticks.

Dimi Konstantopolous has been Middlesbrough's number one since September 2014 - Picture via Getty

Many people, the current number one's wife included, feel the former Hartlepool United goalkeeper would continue his tremendous progression into England's top tier.

Others, however, seem to think Dimi's age may have a detremental effect on Boro's return to the Premier League. These doubters seem to include Aitor Karanka.

Over the summer, the Teessiders have been linked to many goalkeepers, including two current Newcastle United goalkeepers and Crystal Palace and Wales stopper Wayne Hennessey.

Victor Valdes, however, looks to be the man to take Dimi's place in goal for Middlesbrough when the Premier League kicks off on August 13th.

From Catalonia to Cleveland?

Many Boro fans have been scratching their heads in recent days.

Names like Valdes as well as Robinvan Persie and Alvaro Negredo have been linked to the Teesside club. This is in stark contrast to the previous transfer windows, and Boro fans are embracing it.

Why would Victor Valdes, though, want to move to Middlesbrough? A newly promoted team who had Jason Steele wearing the gloves only three seasons ago.

The main reason, apart from the lure of the parmo, is the pulling power of Aitor Karanka.

In the Championship he brought players such as Kike and Christhian Stuani, but with more and more money at the former Real Madrid centre half's disposure he can fully flex his muscles and use the links he gained both as a player and during his time as Jose Mourinho's assistant at Los Blancos.

Had Karanka not returned to Boro after he walked out following the defeat to Rotherham, Smoggies could be looking at a totally different scene right now.

Karanka's links have seen Boro make four signings with over a month still to go before the season starts, and Victor Valdes looks to be the latest name through the door on Teesside.